Pagsanjan arch More of our summer family outing. From Lipa City, we again traversed the Star Tollway and headed towards Pagsanjan which prides itself as the "Tourist Capital of Laguna." Except for the monstrous traffic in the crowded university town of Los Banos, our ride proved to be enjoyable as it provided scenic views of various Laguna towns with its giant trees, rice fields and quaint food stalls. Driving through the Philippine countryside just makes my knees weak and leaves me in awe at the beauty around me. It is in times like these that I forget ... Continue Reading...

Hapag Filipino bulalo Am on a road trip to Lipa City to accompany my balikbayan auntie & her family. I don't know if it was my dour mood brought about by the pressure of looking after my three hyperactive kids sans the nanny, but I found Lipa City unexciting. Until we went to dinner tonight and my jaded senses were suddenly awakened with a sampling of the best-tasting bulalo soup this side of Luzon, not to mention the yummiest grilled spareribs and freshest, most perfectly - roasted tilapia stuffed with generous amounts of onions, tomatoes and chilies. ... Continue Reading...

Banaue, family Banaue (population: almost 20,500) is one place where time's stood still. Their way of life appears to be different altogether. It is all about souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes with a view of the majestic terraces and mountains. Playstations are unheard of. Kids derive their enjoyment from riding makeshift wooden "scooters." I am posting here "10 Things to See in Banaue" to guide the traveler and also as a reminder to self. Been only to four spots, haha. Data culled from a Philippine Tourism Authority map. ... Continue Reading...

Me in Viewpoint Yay! I was only in Banaue for a record 32 hours, which does not explain the ludicrously long 16-hour trip overland, both ways. But I did enjoy it in the shortest time possible. It made me appreciate once more one facet of our country's cultural heritage and the greatness of our ancestors. After being in the beaches the past few months, I was glad to be up in the mountains enjoying all the greenery and the cool air , which turned chilly sometimes. We stayed in the Banaue Hotel & Youth Hostel , a government-run hotel dating back to the ... Continue Reading...